OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Engines Questions On Briggs & Stratton Engines Victa Tornado with B&S 190cc engine terrible clanging noise

I'd say as soon as I take them off, ball bearings will fall everywhere.
The tyres are made of a plastic material. Still, they're not too bad and your trick would be worth doing on them for a life extension.

I had a Tornado the other day, my grandson wanted the wheels fixed on, they had no bearings but only a very thin sleeve or what was left of it, of plastic in the middle, I doubt it would have been Delrin though

There's abit of play in the front axle. Will those U shaped metal shims you can fit on fix the movement?

Sorry MF no idea never tried them, I just weld the worn area us with weld and grind it back to fit the bush, it makes a big difference, nothing worse than sloppy wheels, makes them feel like they are falling to bits

Might get a bushing kit for it. It worked wonders years ago on an alloy version of this base.
You're right. A sloppy front end makes the mower feel like a crap heap even when it isn't. Not unlike a car.

A clang is not the same as a clunk. On one mower I once owned I found out the starter cup had come loose and was hitting against the mesh guard which was hitting against the winder. This in turn had loosened the bottom of the winder. I was sure it must have been something internal until I took the cowl off and realized the problem. That created a definite clanging sound. However, in your case, the smoke you mention is a fairly sure bet that your problem is internal, as others have already said.